The Ghana United Nations Association (GUNA) has issued a stern call to action over the escalating environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
In a press release dated Thursday, 12th September 2024, GUNA expressed grave concern over the pervasive damage to Ghana’s environment, economy, and public health, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle this growing crisis.
The illegal mining activities, despite numerous interventions from the government and civil society, continue to wreak havoc on Ghana’s ecosystems. The release highlighted several key areas of concern:
“1.Galamsey operations are leaving vast areas of fertile land barren and unusable. Once-thriving agricultural lands are now hazardous wastelands, threatening food security and the livelihoods of farmers.
2.Toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, used by illegal miners, have heavily contaminated major rivers and water bodies. Communities dependent on these waters for drinking, fishing, and farming face serious health risks, while aquatic ecosystems are being destroyed.
3.Galamsey is a leading cause of deforestation in Ghana, contributing to climate change by stripping the land of vital forest cover. The loss of biodiversity and destruction of habitats for wildlife further compound the ecological damage.
4.The use of dangerous chemicals in galamsey poses severe health risks to nearby communities. Prolonged exposure to substances like mercury can cause long-term health issues, including neurological damage and birth defects.
5.While illegal mining may provide short-term financial gains to a few individuals, the long-term economic consequences are dire. The destruction of arable land and polluted water sources threatens agriculture, a key pillar of Ghana’s economy, undermining efforts toward sustainable development,” GUNA elaborated.
Recognizing the scale of the crisis, GUNA has called for “a comprehensive and collaborative response from all sectors of society.”
They urged the government, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and the private sector to come together and implement decisive measures to curb illegal mining and restore Ghana’s environment.
“The government must intensify efforts to enforce existing environmental laws and prosecute offenders,” they said.
GUNA also called for the dismantling of the networks that enable these illegal operations to continue.
Legal and environmentally friendly mining practices should be promoted. GUNA advocates for supporting small-scale miners in obtaining the proper licenses and adhering to sustainable practices that minimize environmental harm.
To ensure lasting success, GUNA emphasized the need for increased public education and awareness campaigns. Local communities, who are often most affected by galamsey, must be informed about the environmental and health dangers and become active participants in efforts to protect their surroundings.
A national effort to rehabilitate lands destroyed by illegal mining is essential. GUNA proposes large-scale reforestation and soil restoration projects, as well as the cleaning of polluted water bodies to revive ecosystems.
GUNA called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to provide technical assistance and funding to support Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. They stressed the need for partnerships aimed at environmental restoration and capacity-building initiatives.
GUNA stressed that the damage caused by galamsey is not only a national problem but a global environmental crisis. The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to eradicate illegal mining and promote sustainable development in Ghana. GUNA believes that with decisive action and collaboration among all stakeholders, Ghana’s environment can be saved, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for generations to come.
As the fight against galamsey intensifies, GUNA’s call serves as a reminder that the stakes are high—not just for Ghana’s natural resources, but for the health and well-being of its people. The time for action is now.